Rotor for an electric machine, especially a synchronous machine, and synchronous machine with a transverse flux

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a rotor for an electric machine, especially a synchronous machine with transverse flux, especially a synchronous generator, especially a TFM rotor. The invention is characterized by the following features: a support element; a pole structure which is located on a first end face in the area of the outer periphery of the support element and which comprises two rows of magnet arrangements, these magnet arrangements being magnetized alternately in the peripheral direction, and collectors or soft iron elements being located between the magnet arrangements and being separated by an intermediate layer of electrically and magnetically nonconductive material; on the second end face pointing away from the first end face, the support element has at least one partial area which forms a flange surface for applying to a connecting element and in which means are provided for guiding means for creating a rotationally fixed connection or partial elements of means for creating a rotationally fixed connection are located.

[0001] The invention relates to a rotor for an electric machine, inparticular a synchronous machine with transverse flux, in particular asynchronous generator having the features from the preamble of claim 1;in addition, a synchronous machine with a rotor, in particular asynchronous generator with transverse flux and a drive unit having asynchronous machine in the form of a synchronous generator withtransverse flux.

[0002] It is generally known to integrate generators for providingelectrical energy in drive systems. For reasons connected withminimizing the overall space, bearing-free generators are incorporatedwhich, in the known designs, dispense with a bearing on the drive side,but still require a mounting on the output side of the generator. Inthis case, how the generators are constructed is unimportant. Alsoconceivable in this case are designs of generators which operate withtransverse flux. These are also referred to as synchronous generatorswith traverse flux, in particular TFM generators. In this case, however,it is necessary to provide a generator shaft to attach the rotor to aprimary energy producer. In particular in a conventional area of use,the arrangement of a generator on a flywheel for the purpose ofconverting the mechanical energy into electrical energy, the connectionbetween the rotor of the generator, in particular to a TFM generator andthe drive machine, is characterized by rotationally elastic behavior. Inorder to avoid the damaging effects of the associated oscillations onthe actually converted electrical power and the service life of thegenerator, a spring-damper arrangement with simultaneous compensation ofangular errors is normally used. A significant disadvantage of thisdesign consists, however, in the fact that this is very long in terms ofaxial length, that is to say in particular when incorporated in a drivetrain, does not operate without wear and is very complicated with regardto the constructional design. With regard to the designs of TFM machineswhich can also be operated as generators, reference can be made to thedocuments cited below:

[0003] (1) DE 35 36 538 A1

[0004] (2) DE 37 05 089 C1

[0005] (3) DE 39 04 516 C1

[0006] (4) DE 41 25 779 C1

[0007] These documents describe in essence the basic principle and theconstruction of electric machines which operate on the transverse fluxprinciple, it being possible for these to be operated both as motors andas generators.

[0008] The invention was therefore based on the object of developing adesign of a synchronous machine with transverse flux, in particular asynchronous generator for the purpose of converting mechanical energyinto electrical energy, in such a way which, with regard to the requiredoverall space, is as small as possible in the axial direction and whoseattachment to a primary energy producer, of no matter which type, ischaracterized by virtually wear-free transmission of power andnecessitates little constructional expenditure.

[0009] The solution according to the invention is characterized by thefeatures of claims 1, 11 and 19. Advantageous refinements are describedin the subclaims.

[0010] According to the invention, for this purpose, the rotor of theelectric machine, in particular synchronous machine with transverseflux, in particular for use as a synchronous generator, is constructedin such a way that it comprises a support element, on whose one endface, in the area of the outer periphery, a pole structure comprisingtwo rows of magnet arrangements magnetized alternately in the peripheraldirection with collector elements or soft iron elements located inbetween, which are separated by an intermediate layer of electricallyand magnetically nonconductive material, is arranged. On the second endface, pointing away from the first end face, the support element is freeof a pole structure and has a partial area which forms a flange surfacefor application to a connecting element, for example a primary generatoror an element coupled to the latter, and in which means for guidingmeans for implementing a rotationally fixed and torsionally rigidconnection to a connecting element or part elements of means forimplementing a rotationally fixed and torsionally rigid connection tothe connecting element are arranged. This means that the rotor is notassigned its own mounting and the latter is supported by the bearingarrangement of the connecting element. The connecting element in thiscase cannot move in the axial and radial direction, because of itsmounting.

[0011] The rotor is used in a synchronous machine, in particular asynchronous generator, which comprises a stator structural unit and atleast one armature winding which is associated with the pole structure.In this case, the stator structural unit is supported on the casing ofthe synchronous machine, in particular the synchronous generator. Thesynchronous generator with transverse flux which is thus produced, andwhich is also called a transverse flux machine generator, issingle-phase and therefore does not have its own mounting or its ownshaft. The inventors have discovered that for applications forconverting energy from mechanical energy into electrical energy in drivetrains, for example on flywheels, the operating behavior of thesynchronous machine used there, in particular the synchronous generator,is unimportant, so that the latter can be of single-phase design. Thissingle-phase design is characterized by the configuration of the rotoraccording to claim 1 and of the synchronous machine according to claim11. In the overall drive system, the rotor of the synchronous generatoris connected directly to the flywheel of a drive machine or anotherprimary energy producer. As a result, a torsionally rigid connection tothe primary energy producer is achieved. An additional spring-dampersystem to avoid oscillations is not required. Using the solutionaccording to the invention, therefore, in addition to a simpleconstructional design, a structural unit with a low axial length isimplemented.

[0012] With respect to the practical configuration of the synchronousmachine and in particular also to the rotor of the synchronous machine,there are a large number of possibilities.

[0013] Also with respect of the construction of the pole structure, inparticular the implementation of the connection between the individualelements and the support element, there are a large number ofpossibilities, which are suitable for different strength requirements.In the simplest case, the coupling between pole structure and supportelement is merely made in a cohesive manner, for example by being pottedby means of a potting compound. An additional increase in strength canbe implemented by means of form-fitting and/or force-fittingconnections. In the simplest case, clamping elements are used for thispurpose, which clamp the pole structure to the support element in theaxial direction. In this case, clamping bolts or simple clamping screwsare used as clamping elements. In addition, measures can be provided forfixing the individual rows of magnet arrangements magnetized alternatelyin the peripheral direction with collector or soft iron elements lyingin between them and the intermediate layer and the end ring and/or thesupport element in the radial direction, normally being based on a formfit. This also applies in an analogous way to the coupling of the magnetarrangements and collector or soft iron elements adjacent to one anotherin the peripheral direction in the individual rows, possible ways foraxial and/or radial securing also being provided here, which arelikewise generally based on a form fit in addition to the cohesive fit.

[0014] The choice of the practical measures to increase the strength ofthe rotor structure is substantially dependent on the loading to beexpected, in particular the rotational speeds. Since these aredetermined by the practical use, the configuration of the rotor dependson this and lies within the competence of the responsible person skilledin the art.

[0015] The means for implementing a rotationally fixed connectionbetween the rotor, in particular the support element of the synchronousmachine with transverse flux, in particular the synchronous generator,and a connecting element are used to implement a rotationally fixedconnection based on a force-fit and/or a form fit. To this end, as itsend face facing away from the pole structure, in the partial areaforming the flange surface, the rotor either has passage openings whichare used to hold and guide fixing means, for example screws, or passageopenings with threads, which are simultaneously used for the screwfixing. The passage openings are in this case preferably arranged at aspecific distance from one another in the peripheral direction on acommon diameter. An arrangement on different diameters is likewiseconceivable. Another possibility is to provide, on the end face facingaway from the pole structure, protrusions or recesses, which enter intoan operative connection with complementary recesses or protrusions onthe connecting element. In this case, however, means for the axialfixing of the position of rotor and connecting element in relation toeach other are additionally required, which, for example, can beimplemented by means of fixing elements corresponding to the procedurefirst proposed.

[0016] The synchronous machine with transverse flux configured accordingto the invention, in particular the synchronous generator, comprises, inaddition to a rotor having the features as already described, a statorstructural unit and a casing. In this case, the stator structural unitis supported on the casing. As a result of the possibility of directlyattaching the rotor to a connecting element and mounting the statorstructural unit in the casing of the synchronous machine, it is possibleto dispense with a mounting for the rotor. The synchronous machine isthus free of a rotor shaft and a mounting.

[0017] The casing of the synchronous machine, in particular thesynchronous generator, can be designed in one part or in several parts.The multipart design will preferably be chosen for assembly reasons. Inthe case of the multipart design, a first casing part is provided whichforms a lateral limit for the synchronous machine and which is connectedto a further, second casing part element, which extends in the axialdirection beyond the axial extent of the pole structure as far as intothe area of the support element. The second casing part thus enclosesthe pole structure in the peripheral direction and, with the firstcasing part element, forms what is known as a casing bell. In this case,an outer stator of the stator structural unit can be fixed to the secondcasing part element. If the stator structural unit additionallycomprises an inner stator, the latter is arranged on a further, thirdcasing part element, which is connected to the first casing part elementand extends into the pole structure. The arrangement of the inner statoris in this case preferably made directly on the third casing partelement.

[0018] For protection against contamination, the second casing partelement is preferably designed in such a way that it extends as far asinto the area of the support element and, between the support element,in particular the outer periphery of the support element, and the innerperiphery of the second casing part element, a non-contact seal can beprovided.

[0019] The configuration according to the invention of the synchronousmachine, in particular the synchronous generator, in the event ofintegration in a drive unit, requires the fitting of the casing to thesynchronous machine, in particular the synchronous generator withtransverse flux, to another stationary element, preferably likewise acasing element. The attachment is preferably made directly to the casingof the connecting element.

[0020] A preferred area of application of a synchronous generatorconfigured in accordance with the invention with transverse flux is theconversion of energy from mechanical energy into electrical energy indrive systems of motor vehicles. In this case, the attachment is made toa flywheel coupled to a drive engine. However, there is generally thepossibility of arranging the synchronous generator configured inaccordance with the invention on any kind of energy-producing equipment.

[0021] The solution according to the invention will be explained belowusing figures, in which the following are illustrated in detail:

[0022]FIGS. 1a, 1 b illustrate, in a schematically simplifiedillustration, an exemplary embodiment of a rotor configured inaccordance with the invention for a synchronous generator withtransverse flux, in two views;

[0023]FIG. 2 illustrates, by using a view according to FIG. 1b of arotor, a further possibility for configuring a support element in theform of a carrier ring;

[0024]FIG. 3 illustrates a configuration of the support element as acarrier ring with reinforcement by means of intermediate struts;

[0025]FIG. 4 illustrates an arrangement of an electric machineconfigured in accordance with the invention, in particular a synchronousmachine with transverse flux in a drive unit.

[0026]FIGS. 1a and 1 b illustrate, in a schematically simplifiedillustration, an exemplary embodiment of a rotor 1 configured inaccordance with the invention for an electric machine, in particular asynchronous machine with transverse flux, which is preferably used as asynchronous generator with transverse flux, in two views. The rotor 1 istherefore also designated a TFM rotor. In this case, FIG. 1a illustratesan axial section through a rotor 1, while FIG. 1b shows a view Aaccording to FIG. 1a. The rotor 1 comprises a support element 2 which iseither, as illustrated in FIG. 1a, preferably of disk-like design andsubstantially has a rotationally symmetrical construction, and a polestructure 3 arranged on the support element 2. The pole structure 3 isarranged in the region of the outer periphery 4 of the support element 2and extends from a first end face 5 of the support element 2 in theaxial direction away from the latter. The pole structure 3 comprises tworows 7 and 8 lying beside each other, separated by an intermediate layer6 of magnetically and electrically nonconductive material, of permanentmagnet arrangements 9 alternately magnetized in the peripheral directionfor the row 7 and 10 for the row 8, and collector or soft iron elements11 lying between them for the row 7 and 12 for the row 8. The collectoror soft iron elements 11 and 12 are preferably formed from a pluralityof sheet metal elements arranged one behind another, which arepreferably kept in shape by means of a potting compound, whichsimultaneously forms an insulating layer on the collector elements. Onthe end face, the pole structure 3 is preferably assigned an end ring13. The pole structure 3 is preferably connected to the support element2 in a cohesive manner. However, other designs are also conceivablewhich, in addition to the cohesive connection, permit additionalmeasures for axially and/or radially securing the individual elements ofthe pole structure with respect to the support element 2. In this case,FIG. 1a illustrates a design which provides for clamping between polestructure 3 and support element 2 in the axial direction via fixingelements 19, which are led through the soft iron elements 11 and 12 ofthe rows 7 and 8 of permanent magnets 9 and 10, arranged alternately onebehind another in the peripheral direction, of collector or soft ironelements 11 and 12, and fixed to the support element 2 or, notillustrated here, are led through the latter and clamped against oneanother by means of appropriate securing means. The permanent magnetarrangements 9 and 10 in this area are built up at least from twoindividual magnets 9 a, 9 b and 10 a, 10 b in each case. Here, aspecific predefined number of fixing elements 19 is used, which arearranged at a specific distance from one another on a diameter in theperipheral direction. In the remaining area, there is the possibilitythat either each permanent magnet arrangement 9 and 10 comprises apermanent magnet or else two individual magnets 9 a, 9 b, 10 a, 10 barranged one above another in the radial direction. In order to securethe permanent magnets 9 and 10 radially, the collector or soft ironelements adjacent in the peripheral direction for the permanent magnetarrangements 9 in the row 7 and 12 for the permanent magnet arrangements10 in the row 8 can be provided in the radially outer area withappropriate protrusions, which extend in the peripheral directionpartially beyond the extent of the permanent magnet arrangements 9 and10. Furthermore, security in the radial direction can also be providedby the appropriate configuration of the intermediate layer 6 and of thesupport element 2 in the area of the first end face 5 and of the endring 13, so that displacement of the pole structure 3 in the radialdirection with respect to the support element 2 is not possible.

[0027] According to the invention, at the second end face 14, pointingaway from the first end face 5 and therefore from the pole structure 3,at least one partial area 46 is provided which bears a surface region 15which forms a flange surface 16, within which a rotationally fixedconnection to a connecting element, in particular a drive element, canbe implemented. The partial area 46 can therefore also be designated theflange area. The rotationally fixed connection can be made in differentways. However, force-fitting and form-fitting connections willpreferably be used. In the surface area 15, therefore, means 47 forguiding means 17 for implementing a rotationally fixed connectionbetween the rotor 1, in particular the support element 2 and aconnecting element, or partial elements of means 17 for implementing arotationally fixed connection between rotor 1 and a connecting elementare provided. In the case illustrated, for the purpose of coupling to aconnecting element and for the purpose of implementing a rotationallyfixed connection, a screw connection is selected which, in the flangearea 46, is characterized by the provision of passage openings 18, whichcan also bear a thread. The passage openings 18 are in this casearranged in the peripheral direction on the support element 2 in thearea of the flange area 46 at a specific distance from one another,preferably a uniform distance in the peripheral direction. The rotor 1is therefore free of a rotor shaft, on which the support element 2 ismounted in the designs disclosed by the prior art, and is therefore alsofree of a mounting.

[0028]FIG. 1b illustrates the design of the support element 2 as acarrier disk 45, by using a detail from a view A according to FIG. 1a ofa rotor 1. This means that the support element 2, viewed incross-section, is characterized by a solid profile.

[0029]FIG. 2 uses a view according to FIG. 1b of a rotor 1.2 toillustrate a further possible way of configuring a support element 2.2.Here, the support element 2.2 is designed as a carrier ring 20 insteadof as a disk. In this case, the carrier ring 20 bears the pole structure3.2 in the area of its outer periphery 21 on its first end face 5.2 and,not illustrated here, in its second end face 14.2 pointing away from thepole structure, forms a flange surface 16.2 for applying to a connectingelement and, at the same time, for coupling or guiding means forimplementing a rotationally fixed connection to a connecting element.

[0030]FIG. 3 illustrates a theoretically further possibility forconfiguring the support element 2.3 in a view of the pole structure 3.3of the rotor 1.3. This is characterized by the configuration as acarrier ring 20.3, but is stiffened by appropriate intermediate struts22.

[0031]FIG. 4 illustrates an electric machine configured in accordancewith the invention, in particular a synchronous machine with transverseflux 23, in a drive system, in particular a drive unit 24, in particularin a particularly advantageous design as a synchronous generator 23 withtransverse flux for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.The synchronous machine 23, in particular the synchronous generator 23with transverse flux, comprises a rotor 1.4 which, for example, can bedesigned in accordance with one of FIGS. 1 to 3, other possibilitieswith respect to the connection between support element 2.4 and polestructure 3.4 also being conceivable. The synchronous generator 23 withtransverse flux comprises, in addition to the rotor 1.4, a statorstructural unit 25 which comprises at least one inner stator or an outerstator. In the case illustrated, the stator structural unit 25 comprisesan inner stator 26 and an outer stator 27 which, in the installedposition, in each case forms with the pole structure a radially innerinterspace 28 and a radially outer interspace 29, which are alsodesignated an air gap. The stator structural unit 25 is in this casesupported on a casing 30. The casing 30 is designed as a casing bell 31belonging to the synchronous generator 23, extending over the axialextent of the rotor 1.4 from pole structure 3.4 as far as the supportelement 2.4. The casing 30, in particular the casing bell 31, can inthis case be designed in one piece, but preferably a multipart designwill be selected for assembly reasons. In the case illustrated, thecasing bell 31 has, in the area of the axis of rotation R, a protrusion32 which extends in the pole structure 3.4 in the direction of thesupport element 2.4. The protrusion 32 is preferably ring-like. However,a design with individual protrusions is also conceivable, which arearranged in the peripheral direction at a specific distance from oneanother in the installed position of the axis of rotation R. On this,preferably ring-like, protrusion 32 there is supported a furtherring-like element 33, on which the inner stator 26 is mounted. Thering-like element 33 in this case forms a casing part element 34, andthe protrusion 32 with the lateral limiting wall 35 forms a furthercasing part element 36. A further casing part element 37 is provided,which bears the outer stator 27. The casing part element 37 is in thiscase designed in such a way that it extends in the axial directionsubstantially as far as into the area of the support element 2.4. Theindividual casing part elements 34, 36 and 37 form the housing bell 31.The casing 30 is preferably sealed off with respect to the supportelement 2.4 by means of a non-contact seal 38. The bearing 30 furtherbears, in the area of the outer periphery 39, a flange region 40, whichis used to hold, guide or fix connecting elements for fixing or couplingto another casing 41, for example that of the flywheel 42. Thesynchronous machine 23, in particular the synchronous generator, is inthis case designed as a single-phase synchronous generator withtransverse flux and does not have its own mounting, or its own shaft.The mounting of the stator structural unit 25 is provided via the casing30, in particular the casing bell 31, on the casing of the connectingelement, which is designated 41 here, and is formed by the casing of aflywheel 42, while the rotationally fixed connection between the rotor1.4 and the connecting element is made directly on the support element2.4. In the case illustrated, the support element 2.4 is rotationallyfixedly connected directly to a flywheel 42, which functions as anenergy storage device. The flywheel is in turn rotationally fixedlycoupled to an output shaft 43 of a drive engine 44. The synchronousgenerator 23 with transverse flux is therefore coupled directly andtorsionally rigidly to a primary energy producer. An additionalspring/damping system for avoiding oscillations is not necessary. Thisleads to a particularly simple design with a small axial length.

[0032] The application illustrated in FIG. 4 of the arrangement of asynchronous generator 23 with transverse flux represents a preferredexemplary embodiment. The synchronous generator 23 configured accordingto the invention can, however, be arranged generally on allenergy-producing equipment, including in the region of a secondaryoutput, and can therefore be used for obtaining electrical energy frommechanical energy. List of designations  1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 Rotor  2, 2.2,2.2, 2.4 Support element  3, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 Pole structure  4 Outerperiphery  5, 5.2 First end face  6 Intermediate layer  7 Row ofalternately magnetized permanent magnets and soft iron elements lyingbetween them  8 Row of alternately magnetized permanent magnets and softiron elements lying between them  9 Permanent magnet arrangement  9a, 9bPermanent magnets 10 Permanent magnet arrangement 10a, 10b Permanentmagnets 11 Collector or soft iron element 12 Collector or soft ironelement 13 End ring 14 Second end face 15 Surface region 16, 16.2 Flangesurface 17 Means for implementing a rotationally fixed connection 18Passage opening 19 Fixing element 20 Carrier ring 21 Outer periphery 22Intermediate struts 23 Synchronous machine, synchronous generator withtransverse flux 24 Drive unit 25 Stator structural unit 26 Inner stator27 Outer stator 28 Inner interspace 29 Outer interspace 30 Casing 31Casing bell 32 Protrusion 33 Annular element 34 Third casing partelement 35 Lateral limit 36 First casing part element 37 Second casingpart element 38 Non-contact seal 39 Outer periphery 40 Flange region 41Casing of the connecting part 42 Flywheel 43 Output shaft 44 Drivemachine 45 Carrier disk 46 Partial area 47 Means for guiding the means17 48 Drive

1. A rotor (1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4) for an electric machine (23), in particular a synchronous machine with transverse flux, in particular a synchronous generator, in particular a TFM rotor, 1.1 having a support element (2; 2.2; 2.3; 2.4); 1.2 having a pole structure (3; 3.2; 3.3; 3.4) arranged on a first end face (5; 5.2) in the area of the outer periphery (4) of the support element (2; 2.2; 2.3; 2.4), comprising two rows (7,8) of magnet arrangements (9, 10) magnetized alternately in the peripheral direction with collector or soft iron elements (11, 12) located in between, which are separated by an intermediate layer (6) of electrically and magnetically nonconductive material; characterized by the following feature: 1.3 at the second end face (14), pointing away from the first end face (5; 5.2), the support element (2; 2.2; 2.3; 2.4) has at least one partial area (46) which forms a flange surface (16, 16.2) for application to a connecting element and in which means (47) for guiding means (17) for implementing a rotationally fixed and torsionally rigid connection, or part elements of means (17) for implementing a rotationally fixed and torsionally rigid connection are arranged.
 2. The rotor (1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the support element (2; 2.2; 2.3; 2.4) is formed as a carrier disk (45).
 3. The rotor (1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the support element (2; 2.2; 2.3; 2.4) is designed as a carrier ring (20) in the form of an annular disk.
 4. The rotor (1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4) as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the annular disc has intermediate struts (22) for stiffening.
 5. The rotor (1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the means (47) for guiding the means (17) for implementing a rotationally fixed connection, or a part element of the means (17) for implementing a rotationally fixed connection is formed by passage openings (18) in the partial area (46).
 6. The rotor (1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4) as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that a plurality of passage openings (18) is provided, which are arranged adjacently at a defined distance from one another in the peripheral direction on a common diameter.
 7. The rotor (1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in the part elements of the means (17) for implementing a rotationally fixed connection are formed by recesses or protrusions, which, with protrusions or recesses of mutually complementary design on a connecting element, can form a form-fitting connection.
 8. The rotor (1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the support element (2; 2.2; 2.3; 2.4) is connected to the pole structure (3; 3.2; 3.3; 3.4) in a cohesive manner.
 9. The rotor (1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the pole structure (3; 3.2; 3.3; 3.4) is clamped to the support element (2; 2.2; 2.3; 2.4) in the axial direction by means of clamping elements.
 10. The rotor (1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the pole structure (3; 3.2; 3.3; 3.4) comprises an end ring (13), which is arranged beside the two rows (7; 8) of magnet arrangements (9, 10) magnetized alternately in the peripheral direction with collector and soft iron elements (11, 12) arranged between them on the end face of the pole structure (3; 3.2; 3.3; 3.4) facing away from the support element (2; 2.2; 2.3; 2.4).
 11. A synchronous machine (23) with transverse flux, in particular a synchronous generator with a rotor (1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4) as claimed in one of claims 1 to
 10. 12. The synchronous machine (23), in particular the synchronous generator as claimed in claim 11, characterized by the following features: 12.1 having a stator structural unit (25) assigned to the rotor (1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4), forming at least one intermediate gap (28, 29), 12.2 having a casing (30); 12.3 the stator structural unit (25) is supported on the casing (30).
 13. The synchronous machine (23), in particular the synchronous generator as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the casing (30) is designed in one piece.
 14. The synchronous machine (23) as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the casing (30) is designed in many parts.
 15. The synchronous machine (23) with transverse flux as claimed in claim 14, characterized by the following features: 15.1 having a first casing part element (36), which forms a lateral limit (35) for the synchronous machine (23) and a further, second casing part element (37), which extends in the axial direction beyond the axial extent of the pole structure (3; 3.2; 3.3; 3.4) as far as into the area of the axial extent of the support element (2; 2.2; 2.3; 2.4).
 16. The synchronous machine (23) as claimed in claim 15, characterized by the following features: 16.1 the stator structural unit (25) comprises an outer stator (27), which forms an air gap (29) with the outer periphery of the rotor (1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4); 16.2 the outer stator (27) is supported on the second casing part element (37).
 17. The synchronous machine (23), in particular the synchronous generator as claimed in either of claims 15 and 16, characterized by the following features: 17.1 the stator structural unit (25) comprises an inner stator (26); 17.2 the inner stator (26) is supported on a third casing part element (34), which extends into the pole structure (3; 3.2; 3.3; 3.4).
 18. The synchronous machine (23), in particular the synchronous generator as claimed in one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that a non-contact seal is provided between the casing (30) and support element (2; 2.2; 2.3; 2.4).
 19. A drive unit (24) 19.1 having a connecting element forming a drive (44); 19.2 having a synchronous machine (23) as a synchronous generator as claimed in one of claims 15 to 18; 19.3 the rotor (1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4) of the synchronous machine (23) is rotationally fixedly and torsionally rigidly connected to the output shaft (43) of the drive (48) by being flange-mounted, and is supported via the mounting of the connecting element.
 20. The drive unit (24) as claimed in claim 19, characterized by the following features: 20.1 the drive (44) is formed by a drive engine and a flywheel (42) coupled to the latter; 20.2 the rotor (1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4) of the synchronous machine (23) is flange-mounted on the flywheel (42); 20.3 the casing (30) of the synchronous machine (23) is fixed to a casing (41) assigned to the flywheel (42). 